A Study on the Quality of Life of Adults With Epilepsy in Ireland

Seizures are the major symptom of epilepsy and are typically the primary index of outcome for clinical management. For many people with epilepsy, the uncertainty and fear of having seizures has been described as the worst thing about having epilepsy. Seizures are only one of a myriad of factors that contribute to quality of life. The impact of epilepsy on a person's quality of life is multi-dimensional and can span a range of functional and psychosocial domains. Along with the potential physical and cognitive problems associated with seizures, epilepsy has been associated with psychological and emotional problems, social isolation and problems concerning employment, education, family life and other activities.

This study will investigate the quality of life of adults with epilepsy in Ireland using a structured questionnaire QOLIE-31. The QOLIE-31 is an abbreviated version of the QOLIE-89, one of the most widely adopted epilepsy-specific quality of life instruments. The 31-item self-administered questionnaire has seven subscales grouped into two factors: Emotional/Psychological Effects and Medical/Social Effects. The scales represent the issues commonly expressed by people with epilepsy. Brainwave will distribute the questionnaires to our mailing list of adult members with epilepsy. The questionnaires will be anonymous and the names of members will not be referred to the researcher. All participation is voluntary. The knowledge gained from this study will provide valuable information for Brainwave in highlighting the challenges faced by adults with epilepsy in Ireland.